Method of playing a ball game

ABSTRACT

A method for playing a game using a specific type of sport room is provided. The game can be used to combat obesity and other overweight-related issues. Due to the wide applicability of the game, it can be implemented in almost any environment, including schools, health centers, fitness centers, and recreational facilities. The game involves the use of a room filled with substantially flat baffles that can facilitate the movement of a gaming object. During the game, opposing players attempt to contact the gaming object with the scoring zone of the opposing player.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally related to a method of playing a game in a special sport room containing baffle areas, which are at least partially formed by the floor of the room, the ceiling of the room, and at least one wall of the room.

2. Description of the Related Art

Currently, obesity and overweight-related issues are increasing in adults and children and present a serious developing problem. Obesity is a disease that causes both cosmetic and health problems in those afflicted with the disease. According to statistics, more than half of the world's population suffers from overweight-related issues and/or obesity. Moreover, various ailments and diseases have been associated with overweight-related issues and obesity, such as diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, joint diseases, and cancer. In addition to the aforementioned health issues, overweight and obese people can also be afflicted with certain social and psychological problems. For example, they can suffer depression and self-esteem issues. Furthermore, children suffering from overweight-related issues and/or obesity are put at risk for impaired growth and development, asthma, liver diseases, and gallbladder diseases.

One of the common means to redress evolving or already incurred overweight-related issues and/or obesity can include physical activity. Different possibilities for physical activity exist. Various physical games are known, but generally they involve physical stress and injuries can occur due to contact with other players. Currently, no sport game is known that develops motor skills efficiently while minimizing the risk of injury.

Slovak Patent No. 287867 and Slovak Utility Model No. 4983 disclose a sport room for a sport ball rebound game. The sport room includes six baffle areas, which consist of four enclosure walls, the floor of the room, and the ceiling of the room. The floor is equipped with a material that is capable of absorbing body impacts and rebounding a game ball. The surface of the baffle areas is homogenous and without irregularities. The room further includes goals, which are formed by a defined part of the wall.

Slovak Utility Model No. 5061 discloses a sport room for a sport ball rebound game, which is equipped with lighting, ventilation, electronic score board, entrance, heating, and a window for referees. It consists of three to five or more than six baffle areas and at least two goals, wherein one baffle area is formed by a floor, one baffle area is formed by a ceiling, and the other baffle areas are formed by the walls. The floor is equipped with a material that is capable of absorbing body impacts and rebounding a game ball. Each of the goals is formed by a defined part of the enclosure walls, which are equipped with touch sensors associated with an electronic score board. All the baffle areas are homogenous and without irregularities.

Although the cited references disclose a sport room configured to play a ball game, they do not provide any methods or rules on how such a game can be played.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments of the present invention concern a method for playing a game between at least two players. The method comprises:

(a) providing a room comprising a plurality of baffles, wherein the baffles are at least partially defined by the floor of the room, the ceiling of the room, and at least one wall of the room, wherein the surface of the baffles is substantially flat and without protrusions;

(b) providing a plurality of scoring zones in the room;

(c) providing at least one gaming object configured to bounce off the baffles;

(d) designating a scoring zone to each player;

(e) placing the gaming object into the room, wherein the gaming object is configured to be thrown or handled by the players;

(f) allowing the players to contact the gaming object over a predetermined amount of time, wherein the players attempt to cause the gaming object to strike the scoring zone of the opposite player, wherein a point is attributed to a player whenever the gaming object strikes the scoring zone; and

(g) determining a winner of the game after the predeteiinined amount of time based on the overall total of the points.

One or more embodiments of the present invention concern a method for playing a game between at least two players. The method comprises:

(a) providing a room comprising a plurality of baffles, wherein the baffles are at least partially defined by the floor of the room, the ceiling of the room, and at least one wall of the room, wherein the surface of the baffles is substantially flat and without protrusions;

(b) providing a plurality of scoring zones in the room;

(c) providing at least one ball configured to bounce off the baffles;

(d) designating a scoring zone to each player;

(e) placing the ball into the room;

(f) allowing the players to contact the ball over a predetermined amount of time, wherein the players attempt to cause the ball to strike the scoring zone of the opposite player, wherein a point is attributed to a player whenever the ball strikes the scoring zone, wherein the players remain in a non-standing position during the contact; and

(g) determining a winner of the game after the predetermined amount of time based on the overall total of the points.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the following drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a sport room with a square floor plan that contains four scoring zones and six baffle areas;

FIG. 2 depicts a sport room with a rectangular floor plan that contains six baffle areas and two scoring zones;

FIG. 3 depicts a sport room with a triangular floor plan that contains five baffle areas and three scoring zones;

FIG. 4 depicts a sport room with a circular floor plan that contains three baffle areas and four scoring zones;

FIG. 5 depicts a sport room with a pentagonal floor plan that contains seven baffle areas and five scoring zones;

FIG. 6 depicts a sport room with an octagonal floor plan that contains ten baffle areas and eight scoring zones;

FIG. 7 depicts an excerpt from a sport room with a square floor plan wherein the floor is divided by a center line into two identical rectangular areas;

FIG. 8 depicts an excerpt from a sport room with a square floor plan wherein the floor is divided by diagonal lines into four identical triangular areas; and

FIG. 9 depicts an excerpt from a sport room with a square floor plan wherein the floor is divided by diagonal lines and a center line into six separate areas.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The objective of the present invention is to provide methods for playing a game that provides physical exercise without physiological stress. Generally, the game can occur without direct contact between the players, thereby decreasing the accident rate of the players enormously. Due to the wide applicability of the game, it can be implemented in almost any environment, including, for example, schools, health centers, fitness centers, and recreational facilities. Accordingly, the game methods described herein allow a large number of safe reactive movements (burned calories) to be reached in a short time.

In various embodiments, the method for playing the game involves:

(a) providing a room comprising a plurality of baffles, wherein the baffles are at least partially defined by the floor of the room, the ceiling of the room, and at least one wall of the room, wherein the surface of the baffles is substantially flat and without protrusions;

(b) providing a plurality of scoring zones in the room;

(c) providing at least one gaming object configured to bounce off the baffles;

(d) designating a scoring zone to each player;

(e) placing the gaming object into the room, wherein the gaming object is configured to be thrown or handled by the players;

(f) allowing the players to contact the gaming object over a predetermined amount of time, wherein the players attempt to cause the gaming object to strike the scoring zone of the opposite player, wherein a point is attributed to a player whenever the gaming object strikes the scoring zone; and

(g) determining a winner of the game after the predetermined amount of time based on the overall total of the points.

The Sport Room

The sport rooms used for the game can comprise a plurality of baffles, which can be at least partially defined by the floor of the room, the ceiling of the room, and one or more walls of the room. In various embodiments, the baffles are defined entirely by the floor of the room, the ceiling of the room, and one or more walls of the room.

In various embodiments, the baffles can be substantially flat and contain substantially no protrusions. As used herein, “substantially flat” means that at least 90% of the interior surface of the baffle forms a continuous surface without protrusions. Generally, the baffles can contain an even surface that contains little to no irregularities that could disrupt the trajectory of the gaming object. The baffles are designed to facilitate movement and bouncing of the gaming object.

In addition, the sport room can contain a plurality of scoring zones positioned on the walls of the room, which can function as goals in the game. In various embodiments, the scoring zones are formed by a surface of a defined section of a wall in the sport room. In certain embodiments, the scoring zones can comprise one or more touch sensors that can be in communication with an electronic scoreboard. In such embodiments, the touch sensors can confirm whenever contact has been made with the scoring zone. In one or more embodiments, the scoring zones can be colored differently relative to the walls so that these two components can be more easily differentiated.

Furthermore, in various embodiments, at least a portion of the floor in the sport rooms is covered by a material that can absorb the weight of the players, protect the players against injury, and allow the gaming object to rebound therefrom. In certain embodiments, this material is in the form of a mat that covers the floor in the sport room. This mat can be made of any conventional material commonly used in the exercise field, including, for example, rubber, polyolefin foams, polyurethane foams, vinyl foams, leather sheets, or artificial turf. The mat can have a thickness of at least 2, 4, 6, or 8 cm and/or not more than 100, 50, 30, or 20 cm. More particularly, the mat can have a thickness in the range of 2 to 100 cm, 4 to 50 cm, 6 to 30 cm, or 8 to 20 cm.

Various sport room configurations are depicted in FIGS. 1-6, which depict a sport room having a square configuration (FIG. 1), a rectangular configuration (FIG. 2), a triangular configuration (FIG. 3), a circular configuration (FIG. 4), a pentagonal configuration (FIG. 5), and an octagonal configuration (FIG. 6). As shown in FIGS. 1-6, a sport room 10 is provided that contains baffles 12 (in the form of the floor, ceiling, and walls) and a plurality of scoring zones 14 positioned on the walls. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-6, the floors, ceilings, and walls of the rooms 10 form the above-mentioned baffles 12. Thus, the sport rooms in FIGS. 1 and 2 will have six baffles 12, the sport room in FIG. 3 will have five baffles 12, the sport room in FIG. 4 will have three baffles 12, the sport room in FIG. 5 will have seven baffles 12, and the sport room in FIG. 6 will have ten baffles 12. Thus, in various embodiments, the sport rooms can have at least three or more walls or, alternatively, no more than two walls.

In certain embodiments, the sport room can be divided by boundary lines to create separate and distinct playing areas within the sport room. As discussed further below, these playing areas can be assigned to individual players or teams. The playing zones can be substantially identical in size or shape or be of different size or shape. FIG. 2 depicts a rectangular-shaped sport room 10 with a boundary line 16 that separates the room 10 into two identical playing zones 18, each containing a scoring zone 14. In addition, FIGS. 7-9 depict various excerpts from sport rooms 10 containing different boundary line configurations 16 that divide the room 10 into various playing zone configurations 18. It should be noted that the numerals depicted in FIGS. 1-9 are used consistently throughout these figures and define the same components.

The dimensions of the sport room can depend on the number and type of players in the game. In various embodiments, the sport rooms have an area of at least 2, 3, 4, or 9 and/or not more than 50, 45, 40, or 35 m². More particularly, the sport room can have an area in the range of 2 to 50, 3 to 45, 4 to 40, or 9 to 35 m². Additionally or alternatively, the sport rooms can have a height of at least 1.5, 2, or 3 and/or not more than 20, 10, or 6 m. More particularly, the sport rooms can have a height in the range of 1.5 to 20 m, 2 to 10 m, or 3 to 6 m.

As noted above, the number and type of players can dictate the size of the sport room. In certain embodiments, the sport rooms can have a floor dimension of 3×3 m for children up to 6 years old, 4×4 m for children ages 6 to 10, 4.5×4.5 m for children ages 10 to 14, 5×5 m for young adults, or 6×6 m for adults.

Additionally, in various embodiments, the floor, ceiling, and/or walls in the sport rooms can optionally be equipped with lighting features, ventilation, an electronic scoreboard, heating, door, a camera system, windows, and combinations thereof. In such embodiments, the above components can be built into the room so as to conform to the surface of the baffles, thereby maintaining the substantially flat property of the baffles.

In one or more embodiments, the sport room may comprise a camera system. The camera system can comprise a plurality of cameras positioned in the ceiling of the sport room. For example, the camera system can comprise 1, 2, 3, or 4 cameras. The camera system can allow a judge or spectator to monitor and regulate the game from outside the sport room. Additionally or alternatively, the sport room can comprise one or more windows in embodiments where the walls are not transparent. The windows can allow spectators or referees to monitor the game and can be made of unbreakable glass. FIGS. 7-9 depict various embodiments of excerpts from sport rooms 10 that contain lighting fixtures 20, windows 22, and cameras 24 that are flush with the baffles 12 and scoring zones 14 of the room 10.

The sport rooms used for the game described herein can include those previously depicted in Slovak Patent No. 287867, Slovak Utility Model No. 4983, and Slovak Utility Model No. 5061, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Methods for Playing the Game

The sport room described above can be used to play a ball game in accordance with the rules and methods described herein. The game utilizing the sport rooms can be played using at least two players. Additionally, the game can also be played by at least two teams with each team containing a plurality of players.

In various embodiments, the method for playing the game involves: (a) providing at least one gaming object configured to bounce off the baffles; (b) designating a scoring zone to each player; (c) placing the gaming object into the room; (d) allowing the players to contact the gaming object over a predetermined amount of time during which the players attempt to cause the gaming object to strike the scoring zone of the opposite player and a point is attributed to a player whenever the gaming object strikes the scoring zone; and (e) determining a winner of the game after the predetermined amount of time based on the overall total of the points.

In various embodiments, the gaming object is a ball specially manufactured for rapid movement and bouncing, but that is still capable of not causing injuries to the players upon contact. In certain embodiments, the gaming object comprises a substantially spherical ball. Generally, the ball is of sufficient size that it can be readily handled and/or thrown by the players. Additionally, the ball should have sufficient elasticity so as to bounce off the baffles in the sport room. The ball can be an inflatable ball or a solid ball.

In accordance with the game methods described herein, each player can be designated their own scoring zone in the sport room. In embodiments where teams are playing the game, each player on the team can be assigned their own personal scoring zone or a specific number of scoring zones can be designated to the team as a whole. For example, each player on a team may be assigned their own personal scoring zone or the team may be assigned only one scoring zone that is shared by all the players on that team.

Additionally, each player and/or team can be assigned a specific playing zone within the sport room. Such playing zones 18 are depicted in FIGS. 2 and 7-9. In various embodiments, each player is assigned to their own playing zone with its own scoring zone. In such embodiments, this can avoid unnecessary contact between the players during the game and deter injuries. In certain embodiments, each player represents only themselves and is confined to their playing zone. Alternatively, at least two teams can be formed by individual players being confined to their playing zone or sharing a common team playing zone. Generally, each player moves freely in their designated playing zone and defends the scoring zone in their designated playing zone from other players. In various embodiments of the game, the players and/or teams are confined to their designated playing zones during the game and are not permitted to leave the playing zone without incurring a penalty or punishment.

Prior to starting the game, a referee or official can set up the sport room based on the number of players and/or teams and assign scoring zones and playing zones accordingly.

Generally, the game begins when the gaming object is placed in the room with the players in their starting positions and in their respective playing zones. In various embodiments, the game begins by the referee or official throwing the ball into the room or allotting the ball to a specific player. During this time, the referee or official can begin a timer and allow the game to go on over a predetermined amount of time.

During the game, the players contact the gaming object with the intent to cause the gaming object to strike the scoring zone of the opposing player or team. At the same time, the player attempts to prevent the opposing player or team from scoring by contacting the gaming object and directing it away from their own scoring zone. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the players are confined to their designated playing zones during the game and are not allowed to move therefrom. Thus, physical contact between the actual players during the game would be deterred. In certain embodiments, a player leaving their designated playing zone during the game can be considered a minor breach of the rules and can result in punishment, such as, for example, modifying the number of points a player or team has to their detriment.

Generally, a point can be attributed to a player whenever the gaming object strikes the scoring zone. In various embodiments, points are attributed to players whose scoring zones are contacted by gaming object. In such embodiments, it is the player's objective to obtain as few points as possible (i.e., strikes on their respective scoring zones). Alternatively, the game could be scored wherein a player is awarded a point for striking their opponent's scoring zone with the gaming object. In such embodiments, the player's objective would be to obtain more points (i.e., strikes on their opponent's scoring zone).

In various embodiments, the game is continuous and continues immediately even after the gaming object strikes a scoring zone. The game only ends upon expiration of the predetermined time period.

In various embodiments, the players can contact the gaming object by using a particular part of their body. For example, the players can contact the gaming object by using the palmar side of an open hand, the dorsal side of the open hand, a fist, and/or a foot. In one embodiment, the players can contact the gaming object using only the palmar side of an open hand or the dorsal side of the open hand. In another embodiment, the players can contact the gaming object using only the palmar side of an open hand, the dorsal side of the open hand, or the fist. In yet another embodiment, the players can contact the gaming object using only the palmar side of an open hand, the dorsal side of the open hand, the fist, or the foot. In still yet another embodiment, the players can contact the gaming object using only the foot.

In certain embodiments, the players may be prohibited from contacting the gaming object in certain manners. For example, players may be prohibited from stopping the gaming object, throwing the gaming object, lying on the gaming object, striking the gaming object with a non-allowed body part, standing up, or passing the gaming object between co-players. In such embodiments, use of prohibited contact during the game can be considered a minor breach of the rules and can result in punishment, such as, for example, modifying the number of points a player or team has to their detriment.

In various embodiments, the players may be in a standing position or a non-standing position during the game. In certain embodiments, the players must remain in a non-standing position while moving during the game. In such embodiments, these non-standing positions and movements can include kneeling (with or without the support of the arms), crawling, sitting, lying down, rolling forward, or rolling backward. In embodiments where the players are required to remain in a non-standing position during the game, the players can be prohibited from standing up during the game or causing other players to stand. In such embodiments, use of prohibited movement during the game can be considered a minor breach of the rules and can result in punishment, such as, for example, modifying the number of points a player or team has to their detriment.

The game can occur a time period of at least 5, 7, or 10 and/or not more than 60, 30, or 20 minutes. More particularly, the game can occur over a time period in the range of 5 to 60, 7 to 30, or 10 to 20 minutes.

After the predetermined time period is over, a winner can be formulated based on total points acquired by each player during the game. In embodiments where points are attributed to players whose own goals are struck by the gaming object, the winner can be determined by the player or team with the lowest number of points. Alternatively, in embodiments where points are attributed to players for striking an opponent's scoring zone, the winner can be determined by the player or team with the highest number of points. If more than one player or team has the same number of points when the game ends, the winner can be determined to be the last player or team that conceded a strike on their scoring zone.

It should be noted that any intentional injury of a player caused by another player can be considered a serious breach of the rules and may result in disqualification of the offending player.

In various embodiments, the game may be recorded by a camera system in the sport room. After the game is over, the players or teams can communicate their objections to the referee or official relating to rule violations during the game and the referee or official is able to review whether the rules were followed based on the video.

This invention can be further illustrated by the following examples of embodiments thereof, although it will be understood that these examples are included merely for the purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise specifically indicated.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Game for Two Individual Players

The sport room according to FIG. 1 was constructed. The resulting sport room 10 had a square shape with dimensions of 6×6 m and a height of 3 m. All four enclosure walls, floor of the room, and the ceiling formed the baffles 12. The floor of the room was covered by a mat with a thickness of 10 cm. The mat was also covered by a leather sheet with dimensions of 6×6 m on which two diagonal lines and one central dividing line were marked. The mat was anchored along all four sides. Scoring zones 14 were added to the middle of each enclosure wall, which had widths of 2 m and heights of 1 m. The surface of the scoring zones was painted to be better distinguishable by the players. In addition, the surface of the scoring zones comprised touch sensors that detected any contact from the ball. Since only two players were playing, only two opposite goals were activated in the room for the game. The touch sensors were joined to an electronic score board.

The ceiling of the room contained four built-in lights. In addition, windows of unbreakable glass were put into two of the walls so as to allow the referee to observe the game from outside the room. Furthermore, four cameras were placed in each of the upper corners of the room for referees. Heating was provided by air conditioning and ventilation by vent holes in the outer wall. A door flush with the wall was used to match the wall and not to disrupt its surface.

In this particular embodiment, two players played against each other in the sport room. One scoring zone was allotted to each player prior to starting the game and each player was assigned a playing zone defined by the central dividing line. The referee started the game by switching on the timer and throwing the ball between players. During the game, each player moved in his determined playing zone.

During the game, the players contacted the ball with the intention to hit the scoring zone of the opposing player, while defending their own scoring zone. The players were able to defend their scoring zone using their whole body. Thus, they were able to throw themselves in defending activity; however, body contact was not allowed between the players during the game. If the ball contacted the scoring zone, a point was counted to the player whose scoring zone was contacted and the game continued without interruption.

The players were allowed to move or maintain only non-standing positions during the game. This included, for example, kneeling (with or without the support of the arms), crawling, sitting, lying down, rolling forward, or rolling backward. Basic equipment for each of the players included sportswear and kneepads. The players were allowed to strike the ball by using the palmar side of an open hand or the dorsal side of the open hand. Stopping the ball, dribbling the ball, intentional lying over the ball, clenching the ball, throwing the ball up, striking the ball with a body part other than allowed, standing up of a player, crossing into the opposing player's playing zone, and the player's touching of their own scoring zone were considered minor breach of the rules. The penalty for minor breach of the rules involved adding one conceded goal to the player who committed the breach. Any intentional injury of the other player was considered a serious breach of the rules. The penalty for a serious breach of the rules was disqualification of the player who committed the breach.

The game was recorded by a camera system and the game ended after five minutes. After the playtime expired, the players were able to communicate their objections related to the rules to the referee who judges whether the rules were observed based on the camera system record. In this embodiment, the player with the lowest number of conceded goals became the winner. In the event of a tie, the last player to concede a point became the winner.

Example 2 Game for Four Individual Players

The sport room according to FIG. 8 was constructed. The floor, ceiling, and walls of the room formed the baffles 12 in the room 10. The surface of the baffles 12 was substantially flat and without protrusions and irregularities. All walls contained scoring zones 14 in the middle of the walls, which contained touch sensors. Since there were four players, all four scoring zones were activated. Semi-rigid mats were placed on the floor and were covered with a leather sheet with two diagonal lines 16 that divided the room into four playing zones 18. Each of the four players was assigned a playing zone 18 with its respective scoring zone 14.

The rules of the game were the same as those described above in Example 1, except the size and shape of the playing zone varied.

Example 3 Game for Two Individual Players

For this example, the sport room and rules described above in Example 1 were also used, except the players were allowed to contact the ball by using the palmar side of an open hand, using the dorsal side of the open hand, hitting with the fist, throwing, or kicking while sitting.

Example 4 Game for Four Individual Players

For this example, the same sport room and rules as previously described in Example 2 were used, except that the room was divided into four equal squares.

Example 5 Game for Two Individual Players

For this example, the sport room and rules described above in Example 1 were also used, except the players were allowed to move in a standing or non-standing position. Thus, the players could move freely in any manner as long as they stayed in their respective playing zone. In addition, the players were allowed to contact the ball by using the palmar side of an open hand, using the dorsal side of the open hand, hitting with the fist, throwing, or kicking (standing or sitting). The basic equipment worn by the players included sportswear, kneepads, and shoes.

Example 6 Game for Four Individual Players

For this example, the same sport room and rules previously described in Example 2 were used, except the rules described in Example 5 regarding contacting the ball and moving in a playing zone were used.

Example 7 Game for Two Teams

The sport room and rules according to Example 1 were utilized, except that two teams played against each other and only two scoring zones were activated. Each team contained two players and was assigned a playing zone that both teammates could move freely throughout. In addition, a scoring zone was assigned to each team, which both teammates attempted to defend from the opposing team. Teammates were not allowed to pass the ball between themselves. If they did pass the ball, then it was considered a minor breach of the rules.

Example 8 Game for Four Teams

The sport room as described in Example 2 was used in addition to the rules described in Example 7, except four teams with two players apiece played the game. All four goals were activated in the room and each team had to defend their own goal.

The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be used in a limiting sense to interpret the scope of the present invention. Modifications to the exemplary embodiments, set forth above, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The inventor hereby states their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as it pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

DEFINITIONS

It should be understood that the following is not intended to be an exclusive list of defined terms. Other definitions may be provided in the foregoing description, such as, for example, when accompanying the use of a defined term in context.

As used herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” mean one or more.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination, B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and “comprise” are open-ended transition terms used to transition from a subject recited before the term to one or more elements recited after the term, where the element or elements listed after the transition term are not necessarily the only elements that make up the subject.

As used herein, the terms “having,” “has,” and “have” have the same open-ended meaning as “comprising,” “comprises,” and “comprise” provided above.

As used herein, the terms “including,” “include,” and “included” have the same open-ended meaning as “comprising,” “comprises,” and “comprise” provided above.

Numerical Ranges

The present description uses numerical ranges to quantify certain parameters relating to the invention. It should be understood that when numerical ranges are provided, such ranges are to be construed as providing literal support for claim limitations that only recite the lower value of the range as well as claim limitations that only recite the upper value of the range. For example, a disclosed numerical range of 10 to 100 provides literal support for a claim reciting “greater than 10” (with no upper bounds) and a claim reciting “less than 100” (with no lower bounds). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a game between at least two players, said method comprising the following steps: (a) providing a room comprising a plurality of baffles, wherein said baffles are at least partially defined by the floor of said room, the ceiling of said room, and at least one wall of said room, wherein the surface of said baffles is substantially flat; (b) providing a plurality of scoring zones in said room; (c) providing at least one gaming object configured to bounce off said baffles; (d) designating a scoring zone to each player; (e) placing said gaming object into said room, wherein said gaming object is configured to be thrown or handled by said players; (f) allowing said players to contact said gaming object over a predetermined amount of time, wherein said players attempt to cause said gaming object to strike said scoring zone of the opposite player, wherein a point is attributed to a player whenever said gaming object strikes said scoring zone of the opposing player; and (g) determining a winner of said game after said predetermined amount of time based on the overall total of said points.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said players remain in a non-standing position during step (f).
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said non-standing position comprises kneeling, sitting, lying down, rolling forward, or rolling backward.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the floor of said room further comprises a material capable of absorbing impacts from said players and causing said gaming object to bounce.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said material is in the form of a mat covering at least a portion of the floor of said room.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said room comprises at least 3 or more walls.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said room comprises no more than two walls.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said room has an area in the range of 2 to 50 m² and a height in the range of 1.5 to 6 m.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said game occurs continuously and does not stop after said gaming objects strikes said scoring zone.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said gaming object comprises a substantially spherical ball.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said room is divided by lines into a plurality of separate playing areas, wherein each of said playing areas are substantially identical in size and are assigned to at least one player.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said players are not allowed to leave said designated playing areas during said game.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein said scoring zones comprise touch sensors to detect the strikes of said gaming object.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein said players contact said gaming object by only using the palmar side of an open hand, the dorsal side of said open hand, a fist, a foot, or a combination thereof.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein said players contact said gaming object by using any body part except a hand, an aim, or a combination thereof.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein there is no physical contact between said players during step (f).
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said game occurs over a time period in the range of 5 to 60 minutes.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein said room further comprises a camera system configured to monitor said game.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein said room comprises at least one window configured to allow a spectator to observe said game.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein in the event that said players have the same total of said points after said predetermined amount of time, said winner is determined by whichever player had their respective scoring zone contacted last by the gaming object.
 21. A method of playing a game between at least two players, said method comprising the following steps: (a) providing a room comprising a plurality of baffles, wherein said baffles are at least partially defined by the floor of said room, the ceiling of said room, and at least one wall of said room, wherein the surface of said baffles is substantially flat; (b) providing a plurality of scoring zones in said room; (c) providing at least one ball configured to bounce off said baffles; (d) designating a scoring zone to each player; (e) placing said ball into said room; (f) allowing said players to contact said ball over a predetermined amount of time, wherein said players attempt to cause said ball to strike said scoring zone of the opposite player, wherein a point is attributed to a player whenever said ball strikes said scoring zone of the opposing player, wherein said players remain in a non-standing position during said contact; and (g) determining a winner of said game after said predetermined amount of time based on the overall total of said points.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said players contact said ball by only using the palmar side of an open hand, the dorsal side of said open hand, a fist, a foot, or a combination thereof. 